About the Book

"Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers--despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen. Luis's attention soon turns to something more, and they have sex at a party--while Ari didn't say no, she definitely didn't say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumor mill begins churning--thanks, she's sure, to Luis's ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won't say no. Then Ari finds a mysterious note in her locker that eventually leads her to a group of students determined to expose Luis for the predator he is. To her surprise, she finds genuine friendship among the group, including her growing feelings for the very last girl she expected to fall for. But in order to take Luis down, she'll have to come to terms with the truth of what he did to her that night--and risk everything to see justice done"--

Book Synopsis

From the bestselling author of the National Book Award Finalist The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School comes a revenge story told with nuance, heart, and the possibility of healing. An ideal next read for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson.

Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers--despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen.

Luis's attention soon turns to something more, and they have sex at a party--while Ari didn't say no, she definitely didn't say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumor mill begins churning--thanks, she's sure, to Luis's ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won't say no.

Then Ari finds a mysterious note in her locker that eventually leads her to a group of students determined to expose Luis for the predator he is. To her surprise, she finds genuine friendship among the group, including her growing feelings for the very last girl she expected to fall for. But in order to take Luis down, she'll have to come to terms with the truth of what he did to her that night--and risk everything to see justice done.

Review Quotes

Praise for THE LESBIANA'S GUIDE TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL: "Reyes's hopeful debut excels in its honest depiction of family dynamics, highlighting Yami's sense of responsibility for Cesar and her loving but tense relationship with her mother. As the narrative vulnerably tackles difficult subjects such as intolerant religious institutions and living with mental illness, Yami's sardonic voice adds levity and heart." - Publishers Weekly
"Yami's first-person narration is compelling, as she acknowledges her own flaws freely and saves her best opinions for everyone else. The slow realization that she is also worth admiration and even love is all the more satisfying for the work taken to get there... Reyes doesn't dismiss harsher realities, but rather tempers them with a steady drumbeat that life does not have to be anywhere near perfect to still be deliriously joyful a lot of the time. " - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The portrayal of found family and the threads of love and acceptance woven into this story make it a satisfying read with a hopeful ending....A textured and gratifying novel." - Kirkus Reviews
"Debut author Reyes does not shy away from serious issues that teenagers face, approaching them with the utmost respect.... Despite [some weightier themes], Yami learns to find positivity in her life through her family's and friends' encouragement to just be honest. Readers will applaud both Yami's and Caesar's growth and bravery." - ALA Booklist
"The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is a story about bravery, love, and so much more. It's about discovering what makes you feel most at home within yourself, and the comfort that comes with sharing those parts with the people you love, even when it's scary. With a sweet sapphic romance and fiercely loyal friends, this book is a warm, protective hug for teens who are fighting to be seen as themselves in a world that wants them to hide." - Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys
"Full of heart, humor, and a swoon-worthy romance, The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School is the recovering Catholic school student's road to healing. Balancing themes of self-advocacy and self-discovery with comedy and romance tropes, this is a must-read for queer teens growing into their own." - Emery Lee, author of Meet Cute Diary
"A fresh story exploring timely issues." - Kirkus Reviews
"Reyes empathetically explores issues of consent and rape culture through a neurodiverse lens in this story of self-empowerment." - Horn Book Magazine
"Deeply moving, laugh-out-loud funny, and swoony, Reyes packs it all in, in this powerful coming-of-age story about unapologetically loving ourselves--and others." - J.Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony
"A bold debut that invites us into a world of cultural specificity and queer love through the voice of a heroine who is impossible to resist. I'm so thrilled for readers to go on this uniquely hilarious and deeply moving journey of self-acceptance." - Abdi Nazemian, author of Stonewall Honor book Like a Love Story
"With off the charts heart and humor, The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School is an immediate favorite. Sonora's voice is one to watch!" - Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin'
"The Luis Ortega Survival Club impressively and realistically explores trauma and pain alongside joy and love. Refreshingly sincere and ultimately hopeful, this book oozes intentional care for its characters and readers." - Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All
"Via biting prose and insightful discussions of accountability, explicit consent, and what that looks like for one neurodivergent teen, Reyes crafts a thrilling tale of vengeance alongside sensitive depictions of sexual assault aftermath and recovery." - Publishers Weekly
"Reyes has an unerring eye for developing tough female protagonists who are wounded but not defeated, still figuring out their place in the world but certain when they find a person worth letting beyond her barriers." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books